KEN HODGES: Judge Stephen Goss a pioneer of accountability courts

I was delighted to see the article in The Herald recognizing Judge Steve Goss for receiving the prestigious Emory Findley award at the recent Council of Superior Court Judges conference. Coincidentally, I happened to be in Athens the day it was presented and was on hand to see him so deservedly honored.

The Dougherty Judicial Circuit is blessed with excellent judges and Judge Goss is no exception. One of the many reasons he was recognized was for his pioneer work with accountability courts. Something that is now in vogue, but when he started one of the very first mental health Court’s in the country, he literally led the way.

I still remember him walking down to my office when I was district attorney and asking me to assign him an assistant DA to service the court. Little did I know what an impact he and the court would make.

Accountability courts, for those unfamiliar with them, seek to address the problem causing the violation of the law so that recidivism is reduced. There are courts that focus on addictions, both alcohol and drugs, courts that focus on mental health issues and courts that focus on the problems that face veterans of the armed services. They have made a tremendous impact in Georgia and Gov. Deal has embraced them and promoted them under his administration.

I was honored to see my friend receive this recognition and to see firsthand the positive impact his work has made in the Dougherty Judicial Circuit.

KEN HODGES

Albany